ENTRIES FOR THE 2026 RESOURCESMART SCHOOLS AWARDS ARE OPEN.

We can help with your entry. contact your facilitator

  • ResourceSmart Schools (RSS) Program is a free program designed and funded by Sustainability Victoria and delivered by a range of organisations across the state.

    All primary and secondary schools in Victoria, including government, independent and Catholic schools can participate in the program.

    Environment Education Victoria has been contracted by Sustainability Victoria to provide free support to all schools in the Western Metropolitan Region.

    If your school is located in a different region, please let us know and we can put you in touch with the relevant organisation that is delivering the ResourceSmart School program in your area.

  • The ResourceSmart Schools program provides a clear and simple framework to help schools embed sustainability into everything they do: on campus, in curriculum and outward to the broader school community.

    Schools are supported to explore how they can reduce water usage, minimise waste, encourage biodiversity and cut energy usage.

    By using a coordinated approach to sustainability, schools can save money on utility bills, take action on climate change and build resilience in their communities.

    RSS has received both national and international acclaim and is currently being piloted in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

  • Each school is allocated a dedicated facilitator to work with the school on its sustainability journey.

    This support is designed to meet the specific needs of the school, and may include:

    • School visits to learn about the school’s priorities and interests

    • Meetings with relevant personnel across the school community to help develop a tailored school sustainability plan

    • Staff meetings, student workshops and parent information sessions

    • Training and support to enter data into the ResourceSmart School system. This enables schools to record data, identify trends and calculate the environmental impacts and financial savings of their efforts.

    • Regional teacher workshops held once per term for professional learning and networking opportunities.

    • A regular e-Newsletter full of tips and grant opportunities

    • Unlimited phone support

    • Opportunities to celebrate and showcase your school’s achievements

  • Environment Education Victoria works with schools in these council areas within the Western Metro Region:

    • Brimbank

    • Hobsons Bay

    • Maribyrnong

    • Melbourne (most of this council area)

    • Melton (most of this council area)

    • Moonee Valley

    • Wyndham

    If your school is in one of these council areas, contact us to get started with RSS.

    • For personalised assistance, email us to book in a zoom meeting with a member of our team.

  • A monthly e-Newsletter is sent out to all schools participating in the ResourceSmart Schools program. Click HERE to subscribe.

    Read samples of recent edition here:
    Western Metro region eNews

  • We encourage you to join our FB group: West ResourceSmart Schools.

    Joining this group means you can:

    • pose questions and seek feedback from the brainstrust of like-minded educators

    • stay informed of upcoming events and relevant opportunities

    • share your ideas and resources with others.

    We also invite you to join our TEN (Teacher Environment Network) meetings held every term.

  • These organisations can help schools become ResourceSmart by reducing WASTE.

    Corio Waste Management

    • Provide waste collection services to western Melbourne as part of the DET panel.

    • Streams collected: general waste, commingled (can separate glass), organics, document destruction, sanitary, e-waste, liquid (grease trap).

    • Can provide general clean up bins, and skip/bin hire.

    • Actively working to support schools manage their waste more sustainably.

    • Contact Roger Stevens.

      p 1300 267 4696

    CleanAway

    • Provide waste collection services to western Melbourne.

    • Provide incursions for remote and regional schools on Litter, Organics, Materials life cycle and Packaging.

    • Can provide a range of bins including sorting bins for inside classrooms.

    • Contact Lili McCubbin.

    JJ’s Waste and Recycling

    • Provide Waste Collection services to Western Melbourne

    • Streams collected: general waste, commingled, liquid waste, sanitary.

    • Can provide colour coded mobile bins.

    • Relationship with EnviroCom to provide waste education.

  • Entries open Monday 20th October. Book a time with our experienced Facilitators Emma or Jo to discuss your application. We can also help you with developing your application.

    There are lots of opportunities to get feedback if you start early - so start now and give your school the best chance!

    All finalists are invited to the ResourceSmart Schools Awards event. It’s an unforgettable experience for students and teachers, with an entertaining MC, the best lunch spread, and an amazing, energising vibe that will keep you buzzing for days.
    Check out the fun from 2025’s RSS Awards Ceremony